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Running for One Fund Boston

By MARK HAYWARDNew Hampshire Union Leader

More than 250 students and faculty took part in Central Runs Road Race, a 2-mile jaunt held to raise money for One Fund Boston. (MARK HAYWARD /UNION LEADER)

Mayor Ted Gatsas, left, fires the starting pistol Thursday at the Central Runs Road Race. (MARK HAYWARD /UNION LEADER)
MANCHESTER — The Boston Marathon bombing was on the hearts and minds of Manchester High School Central students Thursday. Hearts pumped faster and took a break from the classroom when students raced through the North End to raise money for the victims of the bombing violence.

More than 250 students and faculty took part in Central Runs Road Race, a 2-mile jaunt held to raise money for One Fund Boston. Participating runners donated a minimum of $20.

"It's touched our lives big time," said biology teacher Rich Terrel, who donned a "Central Runs for Boston" T-shirt and joined a pack of runners years younger than he. "This is what humanity's all about — compassion, empathy, sometimes sympathy. And they love the T-shirts."

The event was put on by the Central Key Club and the Central Student Council. Students and faculty contributed money so people could run who could not afford to.

The event brimmed with end-of-the-year school spirit.

Mayor Ted Gatsas, a Central alum, fired the starting pistol. The Central band played at the starting and finish lines. Students cheered the runners as they plied the final block to the finish line.

The race was timed for an end-of-the-day pep rally, so classtime had already been shortened, said Shelli Cook, adviser to the Key Club. The route took students north on Maple Street, west on Blodgett Street then south on Ash Street back to Central.